jockey shift question

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Dec 26, 2008 | 06:49 PM

#21

spooner

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Joined: Apr 2007

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From: Pasadena, TX

Mine is a 6 speed, '07 Deluxe. BTY, adult beverages and foot clutches do not mix very well!

Dec 26, 2008 | 07:03 PM

#22

PastorTom

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Quote:

Originally Posted by bmr

My understanding is there is no suicide "shifter" just a suicide clutch (foot clutch). The suicide comes from having to keep your foot on the pedal to keep it engaged therefore only being able to put one foot on the ground when coming to a stop.

The suicide clutch would be used in combination with a type of hand shifter. The jockey shifter being a shorter lever usually down behind your left leg. The jockey comes from have to reach behind you like a race jockey whipping a horse. The tank shifter would be a longer lever mounted more forward as to come up next to the gas tank.

Someone please correct me if I'm wrong.

You are correct.. But they did as well make a foot clutch that wasen't a suicide style (Had to hold it in with your foot) they made a "Rocker" clutch that actually used a heel toe design.. when you dis-engaged the clutch it would swing forward and lock so you could put both feet down and not have the bike in neutral.. Then when you put your heal on it, it would swing back to meet your toe (Ball of your foot) to be let out the rest of the way and engage... I have owned a few of both.. As a young pup I rode a chopped Panhead, rigid frame with an insane 12 over springer front end and spool wheel (No front brake), Suicide clutch and Jocky shift.. I as well once upon a time owned a 1942 WLA 45 CI Military issue with 3 speed tank mount shifter with a suicide clutch.. They came with the servicar transmission which had reverse (In case you put on a side car) the only thing that kept you from shifting into reverse was the shift bracket on the side of the tank.. For side car service they changed the bracket to allow you to shift past 1st into reverse. I pulled this out of a wood pile in a barn and brought it back into running condition.. I did however find out that if your shift linkage is out of adjustment you may actually believe your in 1st gear and really be in reverse which has the effect of tossing you over the handle bars when you do let the clutch out.. I have as well riden a newer 45CI which belonged to a friend that had the Rocker style clutch.. It as well took some practise.. when you touch the rear with your heel, you do need to have the front of your foot just right to catch the clutch or as I found out, even an old 45 will stand up a bit..
I have thought for some time about converting my custom to the suicide clutch/jocky shift and almost ordered the kit.. Old age and common sense prevailed..

Dec 26, 2008 | 08:38 PM

#23

bgibbster

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Joined: Sep 2008

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Quote:

Originally Posted by spooner

Mine is a 6 speed, '07 Deluxe. BTY, adult beverages and foot clutches do not mix very well!

Did you buy a complete kit or buy individual parts? Also where did you find the stuff for it. THANKS
Oh by the way, it looks good.

Dec 26, 2008 | 09:43 PM

#24

DaddyKnuck

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Joined: Aug 2007

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From: Blairsville GA

Big-twin rocker clutch pedals engage when you push forward with your toe ("toe to go") and disengage when you press with the heel. There is a steel tensioner on the back side of the rocker that allows you to adjust the pedal stiffness. Very stiff (as I set mine up) and shifting is a little slow, but very positive. Looser, shifting is faster, but the potential for the clutch disengaging is high. It is not possible for a bike with the clutch fully disengaged to accidentally engage.

I've never seen a stock HD 2-wheeler with a suicide set-up. The term "suicide" came from adapting the three wheeler (and Indian) set-up of a car like pedal to a bike. Anyone with experience with the HD springer brake will know the term "hill holder." With most of your braking in the right foot, and a clutch that requires constant action with the left foot, many riders found themselves a foot short at stops.

I like to find neutral while I'm still rolling, even with a rocker clutch.

Dec 26, 2008 | 09:47 PM

#25

maskedstranger

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Joined: Jul 2008

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From: San Antonio Texas

Thought about jockey shifting the chopper, but I like having both feet on the ground at stop lights.

Dec 26, 2008 | 10:36 PM

#26

pococj

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Joined: Dec 2004

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From: Texas! Ya mean there's someplace else?

Quote:

Originally Posted by maskedstranger

Thought about jockey shifting the chopper, but I like having both feet on the ground at stop lights.

Poosy!

Dec 26, 2008 | 10:38 PM

#27

spooner

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Joined: Apr 2007

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From: Pasadena, TX

bgibbster,
The chrome handle is available from V-Twin. The tank mount and bushing, tank shifter extension, and foot coupling, clutch mount, all had to be hand fabricated. The shifter ball is just a regular 8 ball that I drilled and tapped. I believe that there are some commercial kits available to convert to a foot clutch and jockey shift, but I preferred to make everything myself (OK, I'm cheap and have more time than I do money

). Also a jockey shift will not work with true dual exhausts. Feel free to pm me if you have any questions.